CBD oil, or cannabidiol, is a hemp extract and one of the many active compounds in the cannabis plant. It remained illegal for a long time, until in 2018 when the Farm Bill was passed, making industrial hemp, and by extension, CBD oil with less than 0.3% THC, legal. Since then, the cannabinoid has attracted much hype. Many CBD enthusiasts use CBD oil to manage pain, stress, anxiety, cancer, arthritis, inflammation, and many other issues. Nonetheless, there is insufficient scientific evidence to prove that CBD oil can help with any of these associated links. CBD oil is also believed to help with sleep and insomnia. However, ensure you consult your doctor before trying the cannabinoid for sleep because of the many knowledge gaps. So, what is the best CBD oil for sleep and insomnia?
Can CBD Oil Help with Sleep and Insomnia- what Research Says
Generally, there is not enough scientific evidence to show that CBD oil can help people sleep better or reduce insomnia. Although the FDA has not approved CBD oil, many people use this cannabinoid for sleep and insomnia. Here is what research says about CBD oil and sleep & insomnia;
CBD Oil for Pain
Some people struggle with sleep and suffer from insomnia due to chronic and acute pain. When a person suffers pain, he might not find sleep. Yet, a review by Vučković, et al., (2018) looked at studies from 1975 through 2018 and concluded that CBD oil could help reduce pain from fibromyalgia, cancer, and other conditions, which would allow people to sleep better. However, there is a need for more advanced research before claiming CBD oil for pain.
CBD Oil for Anxiety
The other cause of sleep problems and insomnia is anxiety. Some studies suggest that CBD oil may help boost one’s sleep and reduce anxiety. For instance, a study by Shannon, et al., (2019) involving 72 women subjects reported that taking 25 mg of CBD oil daily helped 66.9% and 79% improve anxiety and sleep. However, this was a small study with a small population whose findings cannot be used to generalize the role of CBD oil in sleep and anxiety.
CBD Oil Helps People Stay Awake
It only makes sense that remaining awake during the day leaves you tired toward the evening, helping you sleep better at night. Generally, there is not enough evidence to prove that CBD oil can help people stay awake during the day. However, one study by Murillo-Rodríguez, et al., (2014) examined animals and human beings given CBD oil and noted that the cannabinoid helped them stay awake during the day. While these findings sound promising, there is a need for more scientific evidence before recommending CBD oil for daytime wakefulness.
How To Choose the Best CBD Oils for Sleep and Insomnia
Since the FDA has not approved CBD oil usage for insomnia and sleep issues, many brands in the hemp space misrepresent CBD information. It is difficult to trust any CBD brand since you might be buying CBD products with contaminants or consuming THC in products marketed to be zero-THC. Therefore, it is important to consider the following factors when selecting CBD oil;
THC Concentration
In line with the Farm Bill of 2018, stick to hemp-derived CBD oil with less than a 0.3% THC concentration.
Overall Ingredients
Choose CBD oil containing natural ingredients for improved quality. Also, choose brands that use organic farming methods by avoiding chemical fertilizers and pesticides.
Extraction Process
CO2 extraction is the gold standard in the cannabis space, and brands applying this method tends to produce quality products
Hemp Sources
Brands that source their CBD oil locally (within the US) tend to produce premium quality products.
Third-party tests
Conducting 3rd party tests ensures products are potent and have as much CBD oil (and THC for full-spectrum oil) as indicated on the labels. Reputable brands ensure their products are pure and free of microbials, heavy metals, mycotoxins, filth, and foreign matter using independent third-party laboratories. After the test, such brands post their Certificate of Analysis (CoA) on their website and offer QR codes for consumers to affirm the information on the product labels.
Best CBD Oil for Sleep and Insomnia
Although we do not recommend CBD oil for sleep because of the many knowledge gaps surrounding CBD oil studies, we found the following CBD oil brands to be reputable;
Nuleaf
This brand uses all-natural ingredients in its oil which has only two components; full-spectrum hemp and hemp seed oil. It does not use harsh solvents on its products.
FAB CBD
This brand’s citrus CBD oil is made with all-natural ingredients, 3rd party tested, enriched with potentially sleep-aiding terpenes, and availed in multiple flavors.
Charlotte’s Web CBD
This company’s oil and creams have sea buckthorn and aloe vera extracts claimed to boost sleep. They also come in MCT coconut oil bases, maximizing absorption.
Brown Girl Jane Wellness Drops
The brand’s CBD oil features additional cannabinoids like CBG and CBN to optimize sleep and is also enriched with sleep-promoting terpenes.
CBD Oil and Lotion by CBD Lavender
They are made with all-natural ingredients and feature no fillers. Reviews reveal that clients have found sleep-promoting benefits in these oil and lotions.
Conclusion
There is not enough evidence to prove that CBD oil helps with sleep and insomnia. Still, early studies suggest that CBD oil may fight pain, stress, and anxiety and promote daytime wakefulness, solving sleep issues. If you choose CBD oil for sleep, consult your doctor beforehand. Charlotte’s Web, Brown Girl Jane, CBD Lavender, Nuleaf, and FABCBD have some products that might help with sleep and insomnia.
References
Murillo-Rodríguez, E., Sarro-Ramírez, A., Sánchez, D., Mijangos-Moreno, S., Tejeda-Padrón, A., Poot-Aké, A., … & Arias-Carrión, O. (2014). Potential Effects Of Cannabidiol As A Wake-Promoting Agent. Current Neuropharmacology, 12(3), 269-272.
Shannon, S., Lewis, N., Lee,
H., & Hughes, S. (2019). Cannabidiol In Anxiety And Sleep: A Large Case
Series. The Permanente Journal,
23.
Vučković, S., Srebro, D., Vujović,
K. S., Vučetić, Č., & Prostran, M. (2018). Cannabinoids And Pain: New Insights From Old Molecules. Frontiers In Pharmacology, 1259.
Sleep specialist
Using the acquired academic and professional experience, I advise patients with various complaints about mental health - depressed mood, nervousness, lack of energy and interest, sleep disorders, panic attacks, obsessive thoughts and anxieties, difficulty concentrating, and stress. In my free time, I love to paint and go on long walks on the beach. One of my latest obsessions is sudoku – a wonderful activity to calm an unease mind.
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